In 1873 the mayor of Birmingham took over gas and water companies and used the profits to improve cities. How far did the death rate fall by 1880 as a result of this?

• A. 10%
• B. 25.3%
• C. 40%
• D. 5%

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how public health gains come from clean water, proper sewerage, and better housing funded by taking control of essential services. When Birmingham’s authorities took over the gas and water systems in 1873, profits were reinvested into sanitation and infrastructure. By 1880 these improvements reduced deaths from preventable diseases, especially those tied to dirty water and poor living conditions. The record shows a fall of about a quarter in the overall death rate—roughly 25.3%. That sizeable yet realistic drop reflects the impact of investing in public health infrastructure in a relatively short period. Other magnitudes are not supported by the historical data, making the 25.3% figure the best fit.